Obituary of Robert E. Klapp

New Scotland - Robert E. Klapp, 88, of New Salem South Rd. died Friday, November 4, 2011 at the Community Hospice of Albany Inn at St. Peter's Hospital. Robert spent most of his life farming, proudly referring to himself as a "farm boy from New Salem". He served in the United States Army during World War II, losing his brother George, who had enlisted in the Air Force, when George's plane was shot down. After returning from overseas, Robert built six houses in New Salem, mostly without power tools. With a continued honor and integrity, he also worked as a Security Guard for Stuyvesant Plaza, in Demolition and Construction, for K & K Coping doing pool construction and as a bus driver for the Voorheesville Central School District and SUNY Albany. Robert was devoted to his wife of nearly 64 years, Marion; devoted to his children and their families; and was full of surprises, always telling great stories and jokes. He enjoyed playing card games with the family, was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed coin collecting and bowling. He was an avid NY Mets fan and a volunteer fireman in the New Salem Fire Department. He and Marion loved watching tennis. The also had special status as honorary Blackbird Basketball fans because they were at virtually all home games and many of the away games. Robert was a tireless worker and giver, always willing to help his neighbors. He was an amazing craftsman with the ability to take an idea and create an heirloom quality piece. Always exhibiting his sense of humor, on at least one occasion, Robert was known to have helped himself to wedding cake before it was officially served. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Marion Weiss Klapp; children, Barbara Vartanian, Marion (Howard) Dunk, George (Judy) Klapp, Robin (David) Burch; grandchildren, Matthew (Katie) Weir and their son Gabriel, Jessica Weir, Helen (Chris) LaVoie, Lila Dunk, Melissa (Clayton) Savage, Robert N. Klapp, David (Jodi) Burch and their son Alex, Daniel Burch and Andrea Burch; and sisters, Yvonne Hotaling, Frances (Harold) Kircher and Eleanor DeVellis. He was predeceased by his brother George Klapp and his sister Edith Lavoie. Funeral 9:00 o'clock Tuesday morning from the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Voorheesville and at 10:00 o'clock at St. John's Lutheran Church, 160 Central Ave., Albany. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery in Colonie. Calling hours will be Monday from 4 - 7 p.m. in the funeral home. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Community Hospice of Albany Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, 315 So. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208 would be appreciated.